Davis Memorial Carillon

Originally constructed in 1937 as a memorial to an Alfred University president, 47 bells (largest: 3850 lbs.) still are played from a keyboard of oak batons atop a steel & glass tower. The Wingate Memorial Summer Carillon Series offers recitals from outside carillonneurs every Tuesday in July at 7pm. The original 35 bells arrived in Alfred in 1937 from Antwerp. The train that carried them from New York was greeted by a welcoming committee that included many of the 400-plus alumni and friends whose gifts made the carillon possible. The carillon erected in 1937 was considered a living memorial to Dr. Boothe Colwell Davis, who was Alfred University president from 1895 to 1933, and his wife, Estelle Hoffman Davis. Mrs. Davis died in 1939, and Dr. Davis died in 1942. The wooden tower that originally contained the carillon bells was replaced in 1953 by an open steel tower, and additional bells were purchased. More bells were added in 1977 to bring the carillon to its current configuration. The open steel tower was enclosed in 1983. A historic treasure for the eyes and ears.